Steelers Now
With the Pittsburgh Steelers in the market for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, Steelers Now will be taking stock of the draft class every week of the 2025 college football season.
STOCK DOWN: John Mateer, Oklahoma
John Mateer so bad he leads his receivers into the cheerleaders…pic.twitter.com/bozxyk9FNO
— Erickson Sports (@georgeon_x) October 25, 2025
Mateer has underwhelmed since his return. However, much of that could be attributed to his hand injury. Regardless, he still has made plays with his legs and is throwing better each week.
On Saturday, Mateer helped bring the Sooners back in the game after falling behind 25-13. They eventually took their first lead of the game late in the third quarter. He ran the ball a lot and was on the move all game against a good Ole Miss defensive line.
Unfortunately, questionable late decisions and missed throws led to a missed opportunity to tie the game late.
You just can’t help but wonder if Mateer is going to need another year in college football. He has shown flashes at times this year of his play making ability. However, this hand injury might’ve set things back for worse.
There isn’t a ton of time left this season. Mateer might have to make a decision earlier than January if he doesn’t have a stronger passing performance down the stretch.
NFL MDDB Rank: Week 9, No. 30, QB6
Season Stats: 150-of-236 (63.6% comp. rate), 1790 yards (7.6 yards/attempt), 8 TD, 6 INT
STOCK UP: Ty Simpson, Alabama
While this was one of Simpson’s performances where he wasn’t quite as sharp, he powered through adversity. The junior has continued to take care of the football and make big plays with his arm. He has been one of college football’s biggest surprises.
Ty Simpson stepping into the pocket and throwing the dig is what NFL Draft evaluators want to see the most. Great placement, throws his receiver open. pic.twitter.com/mEjlH8E5h2
— Football Scout 365 (@DraftAnalyst365) October 25, 2025
Simpson is 3-0 in games decided by one possession. Sound familiar? He doesn’t turn the ball over, has displayed good pocket presence, and has played in hostile territories. Saturday added two more touchdown passes to his ledger and posted a 78.4 QBR.
By all accounts, Simpson has risen to the top of quarterback rankings. He might have even surpassed the preseason favorite on the opposite sideline. The Crimson Tide have two more ranked opponents at home in LSU and Oklahoma. In those games, Simpson will have a chance to continue to one-up a couple of top prospects.
The biggest test left? Auburn. It might sound silly, but the Tigers snapped their losing streak and they are known for giving Alabama problems at home…
NFL MDDB Rank: Week 9, No. 9, QB4
Season Stats: 177-of-261 (67.8% comp. rate), 2184 yards (8.4 yards/attempt), 20 TD, INT
STOCK DOWN: LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Sellers battled the Alabama defense down to the final moments. Unfortunately, when it came down...
